Kamehameha and his warrior Kekūhaupiʻo

Kii: British Museum

Originally published in

Ka Hoku o Hawaii

Kamehameha and his warrior Kekūhaupi‘o

Written in Hawaiian by Reverend Stephen L. Desha

Translated by Frances N. Frazier

Produced with the assistance of the State of Hawai‘i Historic Preservation Division, DLNR

Kamehameha Schools Press Honolulu • 2000

Pgs 174-191

Chapter 7,

 An Island at War 

January 19, 1922

     Because of Kamehameha’s foresight and consultation with his famous warrior Kekūhaupi‘o, he understood the numerous obstacles in their path. The numbers and strength of the armies of these three ali‘i, when combined, exceeded that of Kamehameha’s army. Therefore, he decided to attack Keawemauhili first, and before Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s warriors could arrive and join Keawemauhili’s forces. This was wise of Kamehameha, and resembled the actions of the famous generals of Europe in avoiding meeting two enemies at once. Because of this decision, Kamehameha took his battle to his enemies with great speed and with his various armies led by the aforesaid high chiefs. Kamehameha descended seaward to Pua‘aloa [in Hilo]. There he rearranged his forces, and when all was ready, he moved to a certain place called Pū‘āinakō. This was a resting place (pu‘u o‘io‘ina) for the ancients, perhaps two miles from the settlement of Waiākea.

Kamehameha’s advance warriors, the Huelokū, led by Kalanimanookaho‘owaha, met face to face with Keawemauhili’s warriors, who were called the Pi‘ipi‘i.

     It was said that these men selected by Keawemauhili had curly hair and were well-trained in the use of weapons. When Keawemauhili’s men leaped into action, their strength and cleverness could be seen. It was said that this battle in the vicinity of Pū‘āinakō lasted three days. On the third day, Kahekili’s warriors, led by his famous general Kahāhāwai, jumped into the battle. According to the story, the battle was widespread, and the ‘ie‘ie and the ‘ama‘u were trampled from the upland of Kukuikomo, Makakiloi‘a, Po‘ohōlua, Ka‘ūmana, Kekua‘ihi, Ka‘ililahilahi, Paliuli, Kūkulu, Pā‘ie‘ie, Pana‘ewa, as far as Pua‘aloa. On the third day, both sides were widely engaged. The food eaten in those days of action was the food of the forest—bananas, yams (uhi), mahikihiki shrimps, together with the young fronds of the hō‘i‘o fern. So passed the days of hunger of those warriors from that side of the island of Hawai‘i.

     Because Kahekili’s army entered the battle on Keawemauhili’s side, Kamehameha’s warriors fell back, as those Maui warriors had not been wearied by previous combat. Let the readers remember the previous report that these armies had met in battle until the very time that all the warriors met, and the forest resounded with the shouting voices of the embattled men.

     In those first days of battle between Keawemauhili’s and Kamehameha’s men, there was great fearlessness on both sides, and great skill was displayed. When those warriors who had not been wearied by long combat entered into the battle, Kamehameha’s tired forces fell back at the place where those Maui warriors joined those of Hawai‘i under the leadership of the famous generals of the two sides.

     One of the māmakakaua on the side of Kahāhāwai was Kahū‘ena, a very brave Maui man famed for his clever performance with the traditional weapons of the ancients.

Because of the strength of the unwearied Maui warriors who leaped into battle, Kamehameha’s tired men were forced back.

     Kekūhaupi‘o had been separated from his chiefly foster son in the confusion of the battle. It was said that Kekūhaupi‘o was fearless and attempted in this confusion to find him again, but it was useless, like finding a needle in a haystack (e like ho‘i me ka ‘imi ‘ana i ke po‘o kuipine i loko o ka pu‘u mau‘u). Let us lay aside the warriors of Kamehameha and look at the genuine fearlessness of this famous ali‘i of our land.

     When Kamehameha saw that his men were in difficulties and unable to stand before the Maui warriors, he attempted to fall back with the idea of regrouping his men in the ‘ōhi‘a forest of Honokawailani. While he was speedily retreating, he heard numerous footsteps following him and guessed that these were his warriors. However, he was startled by hearing a strange voice calling him with these mocking words: “E Kalani ē! Perhaps you should go slow, as it is only me.” Kamehameha turned and was greatly surprised to see Kahū‘ena, the famous warrior of Maui, with his numerous Maui warriors, as well as Keawemauhili’s warriors, standing ready to seize him. Kamehameha saw that these were other than the men he had mistakenly thought were following him, and that he was separated from his followers and his learned war instructor. He greatly wished for the arrival of Kekūhaupi‘o that there might be a repetition of that time when the Maui warriors were blown aside at the Battle of Kaupō. Kamehameha had shown his fearlessness and his affection when his war instructor had been left in the hands of the Maui people. He had made his way to Kekūhaupi‘o, fighting with the numerous Maui warriors, and had arrived in time to save Kekūhaupi‘o’s life. Perhaps it was this outstanding action by Kamehameha that confirmed the loyalty Kekūhaupi‘o felt for his ali‘i.

     However, at this time, when his foster son was in danger, he was not there. Because of those mocking words by Kahū‘ena, the Maui warrior, Kamehameha became enraged. His countenance showing his fearlessness, he gripped his spear and moved close to those who had followed him, determined to fight with this multitude until help might arrive or until death.

     When Kahū‘ena saw Kamehameha’s fighting stance, he rapidly wound his ‘īkoi on his arm and observed Kamehameha. He did not wish to harm the life of this high chief, but to secure him alive. The tripping club flew toward Kamehameha and, at that moment, Kamehameha thrust his spear so that the tripping club wound around it. Kahū‘ena had not realized that this remarkable feat might happen, so Kamehameha was able to pull him in like the aku of the fragrant land in the calm of ‘Ehu [Kona]. He was caught by the aku cast of the boy of the waterless shores of Kona.

     Kahū‘ena was unable to release himself from the tripping club as the end of the rope was firmly wound around his right arm. Kahū‘ena fell directly in front of Kamehameha, who lifted his spear, intending to punish this Maui warrior with death. However, before Kamehameha could carry this out, he was approached by a certain kahu of Keawemauhili. He was named Kauanoano and was well known to Kamehameha. He was perhaps an ancestor of Kealoha Kauanoano of Waiākea, who is still alive. This kahu of Keawemauhili spoke affectionately (‘ōlelo kaukau) to Kamehameha:

E Kalani ē, the man is dead, he has fallen. Let us turn, e ku‘u lani ali‘i, nothing good remains here. The battle has turned to the Maui warriors, and you are alone before the multitudes. Your hoahānau has sent me to seek you in this confusion of battle, telling me to say this to you: “This is not the war which will gain you the island. There will be a future battle that will show your bravery. Your hoahānau is at the shore at Kea‘au, and a canoe has been sent to fetch your makua kāne Ke‘eaumoku. It has landed at Kea‘au.

Kamehameha Meets Keaweokahikona and Departs Hilo

January 26, 1922

     Kamehameha saw that the words of Kauanoano were right, and he lowered the point of his spear and agreed to the words of the kahu. At this time, Kauanoano spoke to the warriors surrounding Kamehameha: “Ea, ‘auhea ‘oukou, you men of Maui and the men of my ali‘i Keawemauhili.

Turn back and return to the presence of our ali‘i, and I shall take care of the ali‘i and guide him to a place where he shall meet his chiefly hoahānau.” The warriors surrounding Kamehameha fell back on hearing this, and Kauanoano encouraged the ali‘i with these words: “E Kalani ē, the day is darkening. Follow after me, e Kalani.” At this time, Kamehameha bent down and helped Kahū‘ena to stand, saying these words of portent:

“We two shall drink the water of ‘Īao.”

     Kamehameha followed Keawemauhili’s kahu, Kauanoano, until they met Keaweokahikona, Kamehameha’s hoahānau, the famous warrior son of Keawemauhili. They met affectionately, and after they had finished speaking, Kamehameha immediately prepared to go to that place where he had first met Keaweokahikona, saying: “I will not stay at your urging. I have bathed in the tears of your land.” Because of these words which Kamehameha spoke to Keaweokahikona, that ‘ōhi‘a grove next to Kawailani has been called The Water of Death (Ka Waimake) until this very day.

     Then Keaweokahikona urged Kamehameha: “Delay your going, my cousin, and we shall await the arrival of our uncle Ke‘eaumoku as I have sent for him to land here.” When Kamehameha heard these words, he consented to them, and they awaited the arrival of Ke‘eaumoku, with Kamehameha’s war canoes.

     Kamehameha and his friends had not lingered long when the man who had been sent returned and told them that Ke‘eaumoku’s fleet had arrived at a place close to Kea‘au. They went to the place indicated by the man and saw Ke‘eaumoku’s fleet floating on the sea. Kamehameha boarded Ke‘eaumoku’s canoe and waved in farewell to Keaweokahikona, and the fleet sailed for Laupāhoehoe.

     Perhaps at this place it would be proper for the writer to describe that battle of Kamehameha with the large Hilo army, for the writer did not clearly describe the conditions met by Ali‘i Kamehameha and his famous warrior during those three days of battle.

     In that aforementioned battle, which was not adequately described by the writer, the genuine fearlessness of Kamehameha and Kekūhaupi‘o was shown. The ali‘i Pai‘ea was like a whirlwind in dodging the spears furiously hurled by the multitude of Hilo warriors. Kekūhaupi‘o followed closely in the steps of his ali‘i, doing as he did. It was said that Kamehameha and Kekūhaupi‘o were like a great army when they met their opponents. When Kamehameha had his hands on a warrior, because of the knowledge of lua taught him by his war instructor, that man was lifted and broken. When Kekūhaupi‘o had an opponent in his hands, he broke the spine of that man, and he could be heard saying to his ali‘i: “E Kalani, here is the man.” If a man was held in Kamehameha’s hands, he was in terrible trouble (‘a‘ole he nao ‘ai i ka pāpa‘a).⁶⁹ When the two of them were in the heat of the battle, this nī‘aupi‘o ali‘i of Kohala and his fearless follower moved like a twisting wind blowing away those who obstructed them. This brought fear to those who witnessed their actions. The thing which prolonged their progress forward was that the Hilo warriors outnumbered Kamehameha’s forces by more than twice. The reader of this story can have no doubt that Kamehameha was on the ground of the ali‘i Keawemauhili of Hilo whose forces were triple those of Kamehameha’s, consisting of armies from Puna, Hilo One, and Hilo Palikū.⁷⁰ At times when the spears flew in great numbers at Kamehameha and Kekūhaupi‘o, they were as bath water to them. With their great alertness and strength, the battle lasted for three days, and if perhaps those Maui warriors under Kahāhāwai and Kahū‘ena had not joined in, the victory might have gone to Kamehameha’s side. However, on the third day, Kamehameha and his forces were weary, and this was the time when the Maui people sprang at them.

     In those days, while Kamehameha and Kekūhaupi‘o were fighting the Hilo forces, his chiefs witnessed many fearless deeds in the fury of combat.

     At times, they were in the midst of a multitude and surrounded by their opponents. Kamehameha exhibited his skill at warding off spears, and Kekūhaupi‘o was almost struck by a spear because he was beguiled by watching the skill of his ali‘i. The many points of the spears were indeed as “bath water” to Kamehameha. At times, ten spears would fly at him at the same time, and with his spear, he would ward them off, and at other times, he shrugged them off so that they fell behind. At times, he would seize a spear and break it, perhaps doing this to instill fear in the enemy. While Kekūhaupi‘o was gazing at the unexcelled skill of his ali‘i, he let his guard down and was struck by the spear of a certain warrior. It glided along his cheek, causing blood to flow, but it was only a skin wound, although his face was scarred by it.

  However, before that warrior was able to thrust again at him, and while he was taking up a stance to do so, Kekūhaupi‘o sprang at him. Before those surrounding him realized it, the warrior was seized in Kekūhaupi‘o’s strong hands, and his body was whirled aloft and swung at those warriors who stood close by. This remarkable act by Kekūhaupi‘o terrified the people, and they began to flee. Kamehameha, seeing the fearlessness of his war instructor, sprang amongst the enemy, and they began a terrible slaughter.

     By such marvelous acts as these, Kamehameha and his fearless followers held firm in battle for two days, until the third day when the Maui warriors combined with the enemy. Kamehameha, with his knowledge of war, realized that his ali‘i and men were wearying from many deaths on his side. When he saw the reinforcements arrive, he gave the order to his battle companions to retreat in order to regroup. At this time in the retreat, he became separated from his war instructor. This caused much anxiety in Kekūhaupi‘o, and he attempted in every way to rejoin his ali‘i. He was unable to do so, and it was only when they received word that Kamehameha awaited them at Laupāhoehoe that his mind was at rest for the first time.

Battle of the Bitter Rain

February 2, 1922

 Perhaps at this place in this story of the famous warrior Kekūhaupi‘o [in which the story of the Napoleon of the Pacific is included], the writer should describe some matters pertaining to Kahekili’s famed warriors. They were staying at Hilo to make canoes and had entered into this war on the part of Ali‘i Keawemauhili of Hilo. In the book written by the author S.M. Kamakau, he told of some information given him by an old man named Moa, who was an eyewitness to the battle between Kamehameha and Keawemauhili’s forces. He told of the time when the fight began between Kamehameha’s people and the Maui people, that is, on the third day of this battle, as previously described. “In that battle begun between Maui’s famed warriors, Kahāhāwai and Kahū‘ena, their fearlessness was seen. At one time,

when Kahāhāwai was surrounded by some of Kamehameha’s warriors, the unexcelled cleverness of these men was shown. They defended themselves from Kamehameha’s people with their long spears (pololū), and because they used them so well, Kamehameha’s people were unable to approach near. When Kahāhāwai and his people went forward, Kamehameha’s people fell back as the weary warriors were unable to stand before these fresh forces. In this retreat, Kahāhāwai and Kahū‘ena followed Kamehameha until they met in person.” This was described in a previous issue. At this point, let us return a little to a time before the days of the battle called the Battle of the Bitter Rain.

     When Kamehameha moved to Hilo to meet Keawemauhili’s warriors, he came with his army called Mahi. They were led by the Kaua‘i ali‘i Ka‘iana, who was one of those ali‘i extremely proficient in warfare and was also skilled in the use of the weapons of the foreigners, with flashing eyes. The Mahi warriors were stationed above Kanaliu in order to bar Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula’s warriors from moving to attack Kamehameha’s rear while Kamehameha faced Keawemauhili at a place close to the Hilo shore.

     It was clever of Kamehameha to make this move, and we are able to recognize his equality with the most famous leaders of Europe.

     When Keōuakū‘ahu‘ula learned that Kamehameha had moved seaward at Hilo to fight Keawemauhili, he quickly organized his Pōniu army to follow rapidly after Kamehameha’s forces. Perhaps he did not think that any army of Kamehameha would bar the forward movement of those warriors of his. For this reason, he did not go with them, but sent them under the leadership of a certain ali‘i on his side. When they met with Kamehameha’s warriors, led by Ka‘iana, a strong battle began between the two forces. The true bravery of Kamehameha’s warriors was shown, and they, led by Ka‘iana, forced back Keōua’s Pōniu army until they met with the majority of Keōua’s army, who had been moving slowly. When Keōua heard of this retreat of his warriors, he led some of his divisions to meet in person with Ka‘iana’s men, who had forced back his warriors.

     Kamehameha’s Mahi arm, led by Ka‘iana, met Keōua’s new army called the Pukeawe, and a hot battle began. As this Pukeawe army had not been wearied by battle and had been reinforced with the remainder of the Pōniu army, they outnumbered the men led by Ka‘iana. Ka‘iana’s army retreated to ‘Ainapō. On arrival at ‘Ainapō, a certain runner from South Kona brought news of reinforcements by some of Kamehameha’s men from South Kona. This news fortified Ka‘iana’s somewhat weary men, and they again began to stand against Keōua’s warriors.

     Not long after that, the reinforcements arrived and gave their assistance to Ka‘iana. This new army numbered five lau or perhaps by our counting of this time, two thousand men. As hot a battle was carried on between those two forces as it had been in the beginning. Because of Ka‘iana’s expertise and the superior ability of these people of South Kona, Keōua’s men began to retreat while Ka‘iana continued to move his men forward. The battle moved from that place at ‘Ainapō to ‘Ōhaikea, and then to Kahualoa, and from that place to Keomuku and Kapāpala.

     Bitter rain and biting cold fell on both sides, causing obscurity and aiding Keōua’s warriors in their escape from being slaughtered by the forces led by Ka‘iana. The people of Ka‘ū were familiar with their land and the pits and hidden caves, so that they saved themselves by flight from Kamehameha’s fearless men, led by that accomplished ali‘i of Kaua‘i. The people of old, in speaking of this battle, said that Keōua’s side only escaped by being covered by that bitter rain so that they disappeared from the sight of their opponents. The reason, also, for this kind of rain being called ‘awa was that in a state of intoxication with ‘awa, a similar mist would descend and obscure a man’s mind, and he would topple over. Thus, this rain of the mountain became an ‘awa rain.

Wicked Doings at Hāpu‘u

February 9, 1922

     When Keōua’s warriors had disappeared from the sight of Ka‘iana’s men, Ka‘iana ordered them to fall back, perhaps in order to learn something of the great army of his ali‘i. They had not been long on the mountain when a messenger experienced in mountain travel arrived and revealed that the ali‘i Kamehameha was at Laupāhoehoe.

     Ka‘iana divided up his army and ordered part of them to return to Kona, as perhaps Keōua might move there, and there might not be any watchmen in Kona to prevent trouble in the rear. A small separate division was to go over the mountain to Laupāhoehoe, and when they had descended to the shore where Kamehameha was staying, Ka‘iana would report on their battle.

     This was the result of the second war, which Ali‘i Kamehameha instigated with his opponents. We are able to understand, O reader, that Kamehameha’s hoahānau was attempting to gain the kingdom for himself, and Kamehameha was fighting in every way to overcome his opponents, who were related to him.

     It was said by historians of old that the source of Keōua’s idea of snatching the kingdom began when he asked his close hoahānau Kīwala‘ō for land. If Kīwala‘ō had refused to take Kamehameha’s men killed at Ke‘ei by Keōua and had not offered them as a sacrifice, this would have been an announcement of war between Keōua and Kīwala‘ō. Because their side had been put to flight at the Battle of Moku‘ōhai, Keōua fled to Ka‘ū and established his base for opposing Kamehameha and attempting to take the districts which Kamehameha had gotten by strength in battle.

     Keōua thought he had a right to rule through his father, Kalani‘ōpu‘u, and that he was the true heir of Kīwala‘ō, for they had one father and different mothers. The great desire within this strong ali‘i of Ka‘ū was to conquer Kamehameha and take the entire island of Hawai‘i under his rule. Perhaps, O reader, we shall see this covetousness of Keōua for land in the future, and his many attempts to injure Kamehameha’s people, even doing harm to the women amongst Kamehameha’s people. Perhaps his wicked deeds were the reason for his death, as there is no wicked deed a man does that does not have its payment.

     At times, bad actions may triumph, but there is that absolute law: “As the man sows so shall he reap.” While Kamehameha was staying at Laupāhoehoe, he was not without consideration of the work he was to undertake. Perhaps he was fulfilling those famous words unheard of in Hawai‘i at that time: “In times of peace, prepare for war.” Also, he made up his mind to carry out a war against Kahekili, because those Maui warriors had joined in that battle at Pana‘ewa. He conferred with some of his ali‘i, and the one who most of all desired to make war on Kahekili was the father of Ka‘ahumanu [Ke‘eaumoku]. He had brooded on his dissatisfaction with his treatment by Kahekili while he was in hiding in the forest at Hāna on Maui. Also, the ali‘i Ka‘iana of Kaua‘i supported Kamehameha’s idea. Kamehameha consulted his war instructor, Kekūhaupi‘o, and was advised to delay his move and to spend his time in adequate preparation for this war journey against Kahekili. Kekūhaupi‘o knew of the readiness for war of the Maui ali‘i and that he was seasoned in warfare. Kekūhaupi‘o knew this because of his experience with his chiefly hānai at Maui when Kalani‘ōpu‘u’s young ali‘i were so terribly slaughtered, so that Kalani‘ōpu‘u had to seek an end to the war with his brother-in-law Kahekili. Another thing which Kekūhaupi‘o advised Kamehameha to do was to have his kahuna Holo‘ae find out the wish of the god.

     After Kamehameha had stayed a little while at Laupāhoehoe, he decided to return to Kohala and there prepare himself for the great work he planned in taking war to Kahekili, the mō‘ī ‘ai moku of Maui. The wounded were loaded on the fleet of double canoes, and those of his men who were able, went overland. One reason for Kamehameha’s quick return to Kohala was that he had heard a rumor of the arrival there of certain warriors from Maui while he was fighting at Hilo with Keawemauhili. Kahekili had sent a certain army led by one of his brave ali‘i, Manonoikauakāpekulani, and they landed at Kohala during that time when Kamehameha was away from his birthplace.

     When the Maui warriors arrived at Kohala, they began plundering activities and also roused up some thoughts of rebellion amongst the common people. They set up their camp at a place called Hāpu‘u, this being a place just a little seaward of Hālawa, the place where Nāihe [Nae‘ole] had reared Kamehameha. This was not the Hāpu‘u at the shore at Māhukona, as there are two places in Kohala with that name. It had not been possible to send immediate news to Kamehameha while he was at Laupāhoehoe. When Kamehameha’s fleet arrived off Honokāne, some canoes came out from the land to report these wicked deeds of the Maui people.

     When the canoes arrived at Kamehameha’s great fleet and reported this news, which Kamehameha had suspected while at Laupāhoehoe, he asked those people from ashore: “Ea, where are these people encamped?” “They are at the land on which you were reared, that place called Hāpu‘u, seaward of Hālawa.” “What are they doing to the people of my land?” asked Kamehameha of those who had brought the news.

     “Their actions are not at all good. They are stealing from the land, and your precious people, e Kalani, are all being oppressed and robbed. The people are lamenting because of the deeds of these raiders from Maui. Our welfare depends on you, e Kalani, and it would be well for you to think of the lives of your common people who are being oppressed.” When Kamehameha heard these words from his troubled people, his tears fell for love of them, and after a while, he turned and said to those who had brought him this distressing news:

I shall not land here at Kohala since I do not have a proper force with me. I shall go and land at Kawaihae, and from that place, I shall come to save my troubled people. Do not reveal that I have returned to Kohala. I am going to punish them for their underhanded assault on my people.

Battle of Hāpu‘u and Forces Recuperate

February 16, 1922

     Kamehameha delayed a while at that place until it was covered by the shades of evening, as neither he nor the persons who brought the word to him from upland wanted to be seen by those Maui trespassers. They stayed at that place until it was dark, and they could leave without being seen by those raiding Maui people.

     Before Kamehameha left that place with his fleet of double canoes, he commanded the people on board the canoes not to light any torches, but to keep the canoes in darkness. The other canoes were to follow after Kamehameha’s canoe without talking or loud voices, for perhaps there might be fishermen at sea who would hear the noise and report it. Under the cover of darkness, Kamehameha and Kekūhaupi‘o, and some other high chiefs, boarded the canoes, and Kamehameha’s fleet arrived at Kawaihae, having passed in the midst of those people without being seen by those Maui intruders.

     Kamehameha stayed at Kawaihae awaiting the arrival of his warriors overland and those who had returned from Laupāhoehoe, as previously told. When his warriors were gathered and had recovered a little from their weariness from traveling upland through the forest, Kamehameha prepared an army of five lau [two thousand] to go and fight Manonoikauakāpekulani, the Maui chief who had been plundering the maka‘āinana of North Kohala. Kamehameha took the leadership of this army, aided by Ke‘eaumoku as his general. Kekūhaupi‘o also went with him, for no battle was entered into by Kamehameha in which Kekūhaupi‘o was not included. He was the one always close beside Kamehameha in going into battle.

     Kamehameha led his army in the uplands of Hālawa, for he knew that if he moved his army on the seaward coast of Kohala, the Maui people would quickly hear of it and attempt to run from the fight.

     On the arrival of Kamehameha’s army in the uplands of Hālawa, they soon met with that Maui chief who had sailed to Hawai‘i with his warriors. An immediate fight broke out between Kamehameha’s men and Manonoikauakāpekulani’s warriors. A strong battle ensued in which the strength and energy of Kekūhaupi‘o were seen as he fought with the Maui people. The battle moved from the upland of Hālawa to the shore of Hāpu‘u, at which place Manonoikauakāpekulani was taken captive by Kamehameha’s warriors led by Ke‘eaumoku.

     In this battle, called the Battle of Hāpu‘u, was seen the genuine bravery of the Maui people who stood fearlessly before Kamehameha’s men, but they were unable to triumph as they were trespassers on the home soil (kahua pa‘a) of the famous conqueror of Hawai‘i.

     The fearsome weapon on the side of the Maui people in this battle was the mākini spear, which was cast like the arrows of children. They were fastened at the end with a cord and whirled like a windmill so that the Hawai‘i people were unable to approach the warriors of Maui under that ali‘i with the long name. In this battle, however, Kekūhaupi‘o had seen this use of the spear by the Maui people, and he had taught a way of defending against this type of warfare. Although Ke‘eaumoku was the general on Kamehameha’s side, it was through the leadership of some of Kamehameha’s warriors that those Maui warriors retreated to the shore of Hāpu‘u. It was said that Kekūhaupi‘o met personally with that strong warrior ali‘i of Maui, Manonoikauakāpekulani, and a strong fight began between them.

     When that Maui ali‘i saw he was in difficulties with Kekūhaupi‘o, he began to retreat, attempting to move to the shore at Hāpu‘u. He was pursued by Kamehameha’s warriors, and at this time was shown the genuine fearlessness of the nī‘aupi‘o chief of Hawai‘i, Pai‘ea Kamehameha. His body was rubbed with coconut oil, making him slippery so he could not be seized. Also, he was very clever in being able to ward off that type of mākini spear of the Maui people, as he had learned that type of warfare after they had returned from Maui with his uncle Kalani‘ōpu‘u.

     In this Battle of Hāpu‘u was seen the incomparable cleverness of this ali‘i of Kohala in seizing the spears of the Maui people and hurling them back at them with great energy. This terrified the Maui warriors. In understanding this Battle of Hāpu‘u, the genuine bravery of Kamehameha and his war instructor Kekūhaupi‘o is recognized. The two of them “broke the back” of that battle (na lāua i haha‘i ke kua o kēlā kaua) until the very time that Maui chief was taken captive. It should be understood also that this battle between Kamehameha’s forces and those of Manonoikauakāpekulani lasted two days, showing the genuine strength of the defense by this ali‘i of Maui. However, on the second day, he was taken captive by Kamehameha’s people and killed. His body was placed on the lele at the heiau of Mo‘okini, one of the very ancient heiau of Hawai‘i Nei, which is situated quite close to Kamehameha’s birthplace.

     At this place, there are variations in the story by certain old storytellers of Hawai‘i Nei. Some people think that this Battle of Hāpu‘u was fought after Kamehameha was struck on the head by the paddle at Pāpa‘i in Puna. And some people say that the incident took place after this Battle of Hāpu‘u, as the armies of Kamehameha had been quickly put to flight in the Battle of Kaua‘awa. So how was Kamehameha able to quickly return to Puna after he departed from there on those canoes, which had met him at Kea‘au, and having returned to Laupāhoehoe to wait for his warriors who had wandered through the forest to arrive at Laupāhoehoe?

     The writer thinks this story of Kekūhaupi‘o, which comes before the readers of Ka Hoku, is correct, and also that which has been issued concerning Kamehameha’s victorious battles. This story would be just a guess if it had not been recorded with the story of the royal foster son and with the famous warrior of Ke‘ei, the one who prepared Kamehameha for his state of excellence and bravery in later times. In the battles initiated by Kamehameha, not a great deal is shown about Kekūhaupi‘o’s fighting behind his royal foster son, but the people who recorded the story of Kamehameha were unanimous in that Kekūhaupi‘o was always behind Kamehameha, attempting to ward off assassination by his enemies. It was said that “Kekūhaupi‘o was always a bodyguard for his hānai ali‘i.     On the death of that aforesaid Maui ali‘i, Kamehameha rested a while at Kohala, the land of his birth, performing some tasks to prepare his people, such as instructing the young men in battle-readiness. Not only were the people of Kohala instructed, but Kekūhaupi‘o was sent to Waimea by Kamehameha to instruct the young men of that place in the ancient ways of preparedness for battle. The land of Waimea was one of the lands where there were many warriors from ancient times. That place, Waimea, furnished Kamehameha with armies of men trained in battle. Under this war instructor of Kamehameha, those young men were taught proficiency in whirling spears and also in defending against the enemy’s spears. At this same time, Kekūhaupi‘o instructed in defense against the mākini type of fighting of the Maui people. This type of fighting encountered by the people of Hawai‘i at the Battle of Kepaniwai o ‘Īao became as ‘wai'au'au [bath water] to Hawai‘i’s young warriors.

     In these months when Kamehameha was staying at his birthplace, and Kekūhaupi‘o was at Waimea, Kamehameha received the news that his ali‘i, whom he had stationed at Laupāhoehoe to watch that vicinity, had been wickedly slain. This ali‘i, named Lononuiākea, was killed by Pīna‘au and his general, Kauwehanehane, who were chiefs on the side of Keawemauhili, the ali‘i nui of Hilo.

     When the news of this killing reached Kamehameha, he realized the thought behind the killing of his watchman.

     The thought behind this action by his hulu makua [esteemed elder] of Hilo was a push toward war. Because of this sad news, which reached Kamehameha, he called his swift runner Makoa, one of the swift warriors of his court,t and said these words to him.

Makoa Sent to Laupāhoehoe

February 23, 1922

     When this news of death arrived, Kamehameha understood the meaning of the killing of his ali‘i watchman, that it was pressure for war by his precious elder [Keawemauhili] of Hilo. Therefore, he called his swift runner, Makoa, one of the speedy and brave warriors of his court, and said to him: “E Makoa ē, run to Laupāhoehoe and meet with the ali‘i who are residing there and say to them that I "crave the kihikihi sweet potato, and also some of it mashed, and also some nōpili [goby fish] of the upland stream of Laupāhoehoe. You have heard. Run and tell them of my craving.” When Makoa heard his haku, he assented: “E ku‘u lani ali‘i [my beloved chief], I hear your command and shall execute it without delay.” This swift runner of Kamehameha was one of the men who were very kapu. He was an exceedingly swift runner and was never spoken to while on his journey to fulfill a command. He has been described previously. When his cloak was seen fluttering on his speedy path, no one, not even the greatest ali‘i, could obstruct his way. This man was not of humble status, but came from the royal line of Maui chiefs. This swift runner arrived before those ali‘i whom Keawemauhili had stationed at Laupāhoehoe, which Kamehameha had thought of as his because he had gained it by his former victory in that battle with Kahekili’s generals. This battle was previously described in this story, in which Kekūhaupi‘o displayed his fearlessness in standing alone against Kahekili of Maui’s famed bald-headed (‘ōlohe) warrior. This warrior had fallen to the sharp spear of Kamehameha’s famous warrior, and because of this battle, which took place while Kalani‘ōpu‘u was alive, Kamehameha had always thought this land division was his by right of strength in battle.

     Makoa left Kawaihae for Laupāhoehoe, and in a short while, he arrived before those ali‘i stationed there by Keawemauhili. When they saw Mako, they called to him with those words customary to the ali‘i of ancient times: “The word in the breast, tell it here.” Makoa told them of Kamehameha’s craving for the mashed kihikihi sweet potato and the lehua-eating ‘o‘opu nōpili [goby fish] of the upland forest.

     When Pīna‘au heard these words by Makoa, his wrath rose, and he replied angrily with these bitter words:

How exceedingly haughty! Am I Kamehameha’s food steward, that I should cater to his craving? You return to Kamehameha and say to him: “Right here in front is the ‘o‘opu fish, and also in his front is the sweet potato, therefore pile up those things [probably accompanied by vulgar gestures].

     When Makoa heard these insulting words about his ali‘i, his anger rose, and he said fearlessly without hesitation:     “I have heard these words from your mouth, and I say to you, your mouth shall eat your foul words.” No sooner had Makoa spoken than Pīna‘au sprang forward and seized Makoa in his hands, and at the same time Kauwehanehane sprang to seize Makoa’s legs. Pīna‘au said to his assistant: “Ea, reach for the cord and bind up this pig of ours.” Kauwehanehane released one hand from holding Makoa’s left leg and reached for the cord.

     Makoa raised up his free foot with great strength and struck Pīna‘au in the Adam’s apple (kani‘ā‘ī), and Pīna‘au fell with a broken neck, and he died with his insulting words about Kamehameha. When Kauwehanehane saw this, he thought he would bind Makoa’s legs, but with great strength, Makoa aimed a kick at Kauwehanehane’s eyes. He fell down, and Makoa took from his bosom his shark’s tooth dagger (leiomano), and before Kauwehanehane could stand up, like a gust of the Kiu wind, he was struck dead on the mat. When Makoa emerged from the house, Keikei, one of the ali‘i Pīna‘au’s warriors, leaped to take Makoa prisoner, but the leiomano did its deadly work, and that warrior died. All of them became moepu‘u for Kamehameha’s slain ali‘i.

     These people were killed by Makoa before anyone could realize what had happened to these sacrificial victims, and he began to run speedily to Kamehameha. His malo fluttered at the pali of Hōkuli, and his cloak waved as he ran on the plain of Waipunalei. His cloak fluttered in the wind of the pali, and he leaped the pali of Keawali‘i, landing on the other side with great speed. A whoop going downhill (kani ke o), and he arrived on Kahoana, the place called “The War-Adze Sharpening Stone of Palila.” Like the flutter of an eyelash, he traversed the forest of Lupea, and with a whoop, going downhill, his malo fluttered above the pali of Maiu‘u. Then Makoa increased his speed, and his cloak stood straight out behind with his malo fluttering, and he arrived before Kamehameha’s house. However, there was no bundle in his hand.

     Kamehameha observed his speedy messenger and said gently: “It is you, and you have indeed run here speedily.”     Makoa then reported on his journey to Laupāhoehoe, the insulting words of that ali‘i Pīna‘au concerning Kamehameha, and their fight in which that ali‘i and his two men were killed.

     Kamehameha believed Makoa’s words, for he saw signs of the fight on his messenger, whose hands were streaked with blood, and he still held the leiomano.

     Because of the death of those ali‘i of Laupāhoehoe and also the killing of that ali‘i whom Kamehameha had stationed there, a fight began between Kamehameha and Keawemauhili, high chief of Hilo. Kamehameha was prepared to go to war again with the Hilo people. This war was known as “Laupāhoehoe Two.” The war canoes were readied on the sea and were led by Ke‘eaumoku, the father of Ka‘ahumanu, and were filled by skilled warriors who went by sea to the place where they were to meet the land forces.

     The warriors on land were led by Kamehameha himself, who had the army called Malana, numbering three lau or twelve hundred men by the counting of this time. The second army was under Nanuekaleiōpū, a famous warrior chief of Kamehameha’s time.

     The name of his army was the Kīpu‘upu‘u. The reason for its being so called was that these were young people from Waimea who had been taught their skills in warfare by Kekūhaupi‘o and who had also been taught to be speedy runners [like the gusting wind of Waimea]. They perpetuated that saying of the ancients of Hawai‘i Nei: “Teach the warrior, and also teach him to run.” It was said in the old stories of Hawai‘i that Waimea was a land famous for brave warriors who were much admired by the ali‘i of this land, and also were regarded as the warriors who always supported victoriously certain warlike ali‘i of this land.